Chapter Eighteen: Reidoku
"Another exam. Another exam!"
Shunsui flopped down on the grass underneath the big willow tree, gazing up at his friend plaintively as he did so. "What are they trying to do to us, Juu-kun? Kidou, Hohou, now Sakusen…that's three in the space of two days, including the one to come this afternoon! And that doesn't even include the practical Kidou, Hohou and Kenjitsu assessments we had to do the day before, either. I swear, my brain can't take it in all of this heat!"
"You're just allergic to hard work." Juushirou told him unsympathetically. "We both know that you're capable of passing them, and once you have, you can get out of here and into town without being in trouble. So it's all right, isn't it? You can find out what you want to know about Megumi-san and go and spend time out with the rest of us. It'll be fine."
"Yeah. I suppose that's so." Shunsui sighed. "I just...I think you might be right. I am allergic."
He fanned himself languidly.
"Just thinking about them makes me feel faint and sick." He said morosely. "I'm sweating buckets at the thought of sitting down to write another paper this afternoon."
Juushirou chuckled, shaking his head as he dropped down on the grass beside him.
"I didn't notice it affecting your appetite at lunch just now." He teased, and Shunsui grimaced.
"Stress, that's all." He said frankly. "Comfort food. You should be more gentle with me, Juu. I'm not used to thinking like an academic."
"You could be following Houjou-kun and Hirata's example, and taking the time to look up things in the library." Juushirou suggested innocently. "Or you could be like Kuchiki-kun and shut yourself away in the dorm with piles of notes. But no, here you are, under a tree. That doesn't seem particularly stressful to me."
"You're not studying, either." Shunsui pointed out, and Juushirou shrugged.
"If I don't know it by now, I won't learn it in time." He said pragmatically. "I'm as caught up as I can be, and I like to have a clear head before I sit a test. Otherwise information gets garbled and confused in my brain. Besides, it's a nice day today. I like it in District One, now it's summer. It's not the coast, but it has a nice feel."
"There are more flowers in District Eight." Shunsui slipped his hands behind his head, gazing thoughtfully up at the gently swaying tree branches. "But I can't complain too much. Summer is a nice season, wherever you are. And not designed for working in, either."
"Did you hear back from Tokutarou-dono yet, by the way?" Juushirou questioned, and Shunsui shook his head.
"Tomorrow will be the earliest that I do." He responded. "Till then, there's not much we can do. It's not like Shihouin can ask Aitori either - is it?"
"You really think he's the one behind this, then, do you?"
"I think the Endou-ke probably had Megumi killed, but I think Aitori's the link in that chain." Shunsui responded evenly. "He's close enough on hand to be, and Kai pretty much said himself that there was a Shihouin who knew outside of him and Onoe. That leaves Aitori as the obvious suspect. We know he was involved with Megumi and have from the start. And if he's involved with Megumi, and Kai won't talk about it, I suspect he's also involved in chemicals. Kai's people too, most likely. For whatever reason of their own."
"So the Shihouin-ke are dealing in chemicals after all?"
"Yes. I think so." Shunsui nodded. "But I'm not sure what to do about it. We've no proof. Aitori's the only connection we have, and Kai isn't likely to tell us anything if people close to him are wrapped up in it. But the way he flew at Onoe for trying to start that rumour about you - it rang bells all over the place about the Shihouin and these drugs. And now Midori's disappeared, too."
"Do you think she's been hurt?"
"No. I think she probably disappeared by herself." Shunsui said honestly. "I don't think that the Endou could benefit from killing her. While they have her, they have the Shihouin where they want them. Midori's obviously pretty precious to the Clan. Kai said she was the shadow, didn't he?"
"I didn't really know what that meant." Juushirou admitted, and Shunsui smiled.
"I don't know either, specifically." He owned. "Just that I've heard it said before. That a Shihouin is the shadow, rather than just a shadow. I'm not sure when or where, but I'm sure it's something important and significant to their Clan in some way. Either way, I don't think Midori is the kind of girl who's going to get easily taken out by someone like Endou Seimaru - who I do know a little more of, being that he's a neighbour of mine. So no. I don't think she's in trouble in that way. But that she's taken off of her own accord does suggest she's found something out...and I don't know. I guess we wait and see what her next move is. And whether Nii-sama learns anything that can help us out."
"If she's alive, though, Shihouin-kun won't worry so much as he has been." Juushirou said softly.
"I think he probably has plenty still to worry about." Shunsui said categorically. "Dabbling in those chemicals carries with it a death sentence, Juu. Not for Kai, perhaps, and not for Midori, maybe, if she's been a puppet in all this negotiating. But anyone who has the taint of it hanging over them is in very real danger of facing a Council meeting and being condemned. If that's Kai's family, he's got plenty to be boiling over in that brain of his. Midori's disappearance is just part of it. And he can't talk about the rest, because even if he begins to trust us, saying it makes it a reality. And it creates witnesses. And most people disdain the use of those things. So he's stuck."
"Poor Shihouin-kun." Juushirou reflected. "His family are doing something and he can't do anything about it."
"Welcome to Clan life." Shunsui grinned.
"That reminds me." Juushirou cast his companion a glance. "When Hirata was talking about his family, you had that strange look on your face again. When you told him you understood - it seemed like you really did. Does that mean something like that happened in your Clan too?"
Shunsui smiled ruefully.
"You don't miss a trick, do you?" He reflected. "Yes. Sort of. I suppose."
"Well, I said I wasn't going to push you to talk about things you didn't want to." Juushirou leant up against the trunk of the tree. "But you did say you thought you might be able to tell me things, as time went on. And it bothers me, sometimes, when you look so completely haunted. Like when you're smiling and joking, it's not entirely real because somewhere at the core of it is the other you - the one who's fighting demons. Does that make sense?"
"Sometimes you scare me, Juu-kun." Shunsui admitted. "You're the only person I know who's ever seen so effectively through me. Well, with one possible exception, but that's beside the point. The way you calmly make these observations - I can't fool you, can I?"
"No." Juushirou smiled sweetly. "So you shouldn't try. Friends trust one another, after all."
"Meh." Shunsui rolled his eyes. "Fine. You win. I surrender. I'll tell you the whole torrid tale of my family, and then you'll think twice about ever coming to visit District Eight. All right?"
"Okay." Juushirou looked startled. "Though I was teasing a little there. I'm not meaning to force it out of you."
"It's fine. I'll tell you anyway." Shunsui shrugged. "Today seems as fitting a day as any other, to be honest. So I will."
"It has something to do with your Father, doesn't it?" Juushirou asked softly, and Shunsui nodded.
"He died when I was six." He said frankly. "But even before that I barely knew him. He was kind of just 'there', I suppose. Most of the time he was away from home. He drank a lot. Spent time with a lot of other women. Made my mother cry. Then when he was six, he was killed. And that was that."
Juushirou frowned, digesting this for a moment, and Shunsui shrugged his shoulders.
"Most of the time I suppose, it was like Father didn't really exist." He admitted. "But even so I've always felt connected to him. People often say I'm like him - in both good and bad ways. And the older I get, the more I see it for myself. I know that the things he did he did because he was trying to escape himself - that he hated the duties stamped down on him and couldn't forgive himself for the things he had to do. So he sank into depression and vice and never got a chance to escape."
He closed his eyes briefly.
"I almost did the same thing, before I came here, so I can't judge him on that." He murmured. "It's something that can happen far more easily than you might think."
"So you miss your Father?"
"There are a lot of things I wish I'd been able to talk to him about, but I don't know whether I miss him." Shunsui opened his eyes, meeting Juushirou's concerned hazel ones. "It's a detached kind of connection. A ghost at the periphery of my awareness, that's all. Not like you and your Father, Juu. When you were talking about him in the forest that time, I admit I was envious. Even though you lost him and it hurt like it did, you had that bond with him that you'll always be able to remember. I didn't have anything of my Father. And I couldn't really grieve for him, either. Even though I was there when he died. No, when he was killed. Even then, even though I hated it...I don't know that it was grief I felt."
He sighed, pulling himself up into a sitting position.
"My Father was killed by my Uncle." He said matter-of-factly. "Because Uncle wanted to claim the Clan and turn it back to its military roots. Father had let that slide, and Uncle took it personally. So he killed Father and took control. It was only meant to be till my brother came of age, but he had other ideas. He took me back with him to his estate, and tried to do his best to raise me the way he wanted me to be. So that when Tokutarou-nii came to inherit properly, I'd be able to challenge him. It wasn't a secret, you see, that I had powerful reiatsu. That I was probably stronger than Tokutarou-nii - because I was far more my Father's son."
"That's why you hate people knowing what you can do, isn't it?" Juushirou realised. "Because you're afraid of being used as a puppet or a target like that again."
"I suppose." Shunsui smiled. "Or I'm lazy. One or the other. A combination, maybe. It's hassle, in the end, trying to live up to high expectations. So I've never let myself be in that position if it could possibly be avoided."
He shrugged.
"I wouldn't fight Nii-sama, and I made it clear I never had any intention of doing it, even if he wanted to kill me." He said frankly. "I'm Father's son in that way, too. Better killed than to kill, and all of that. Fortunately for me, Tokutarou-nii's got a good amount of Shiba sense in with his Kyouraku pride. Plus, he's disposed to like me, I think, most of the time. So he came to get me, when he took control of the Clan. My Uncle took his own life two years later, after a rebellion he orchestrated failed. And peace was restored to District Eight."
"And you're Tokutarou-dono's heir."
"Yes. Reluctantly. Till he marries and produces spawn of his own." Shunsui nodded. "I like my family all right, Juu. It's not that I resent him or anything else, really. I just don't think they're like your family. The bond is different. It's a Clan bond, tied by blood, memory and pride. It's not a bond of love and trust in the same way yours is. Mother loves me, and I love her. Nii-sama and I knock along fine. But it's still...dictated by the Kyouraku name and position. So there are always barriers between us. No matter what."
"That's sad." Juushirou's eyes softened. "I'd realised that you had reasons for your Clan cynicism, but I never thought you'd seen your uncle kill your father right in front of you. And at six...that must've had a horrible impact on you, all in all."
"The funny thing is that I never told anyone I'd seen it, not till ten years had passed." Shunsui reflected. "I just went on as if nothing had happened, instead. Like it wasn't really real, somehow, even though it was."
He shrugged.
"I've never spoken about it much to anyone, even since then." He added. "It's just an archived memory somewhere in a closet full of skeletons gathering dust. It doesn't haunt me...not specifically. But I do regret that it happened and that I couldn't prevent it. I don't like kin killing kin. And I don't like that Clan feel they can do so without retribution. Murder shouldn't ever be considered just, in my opinion. That's why I didn't want to be a Shinigami. Because I didn't want to learn to kill."
He grinned ruefully.
"But Yama-jii's said to me now that the techniques have changed since Father's time." He added. "And that we'll learn to purify Hollows and send their clean spirits to Rukongai - not destroy them completely. That we'll use our power to rescue them, not to kill them. And if that's true - if it really can be done that way - maybe I can be a Shinigami after all. Maybe it is something I can do."
"I never thought about it in that way." Juushirou looked surprised. "About killing Hollows being a bad thing."
"When we met that one in the forest, it had the same aura of pain Father had when he died." Shunsui replied. "And I realised that was why Father hated killing them so much. Because he felt like he was killing himself each time he did it. But if there's a way to stop their pain...that using swords or whatever can do that - I think I'm starting to want to learn it. Somehow. Little by little."
He eyed his friend pensively.
"Your Father was killed by a Hollow, so you find it harder to see Hollows as anything but an enemy. I understand that." He said softly. "But my Father was killed by my Clan kin. So who's the true enemy, in the end? Anyone and everyone, if you give them too much ambition and power to rise above themselves."
"Sometimes, you know, when you say things, you sound a whole lot older than seventeen." Juushirou reflected, and Shunsui grinned.
"Someone else used to say that kind of thing to me, when I was younger." He acknowledged. "But you're wrong, Juu-kun. I'm not seventeen. Not any more."
"Not any…?" Juushirou stared at him, and Shunsui's grin widened.
"Today is my birthday." He said matter-of-factly. "If you celebrate such things. I don't, generally…but some people consider them important."
Juushirou's eyes widened.
"Oh!"
"Don't look like that." Shunsui scolded. "I told you. I don't really make a big deal out of it. Getting a year older means you'll have a year more of responsibility dropped on your head, that's all. Eighteen is a step closer to twenty and being unavoidably classed as an 'adult' in society. I'm not really excited about that prospect – so all in all, it's fine not to make a fuss over it."
He looked rueful.
"Since I can't picture Yama-jii letting me celebrate with a drink or a night on the town, I might as well just let it pass quietly."
"Sora said you were a Summer baby, but with everything that's happened…" Juushirou faltered, then he offered his friend a smile.
"In that case, Happy Birthday, Shunsui-kun." He said sincerely. "Even if it is spent sitting exams."
"Ugh, don't remind me." Shunsui groaned, burying his head in his hands. "The world is too cruel – not even a chance to lie in and enjoy the sunlight streaming through the dorm window!"
Juushirou chuckled.
"There's not usually much sunlight streaming anywhere when it gets around to my birthday." He reflected. "It's usually dark, cold and sometimes snowy first thing in the morning. The sea is choppy and unwelcoming and the trees all look like they've been frosted with white powder. But it's beautiful, somehow, that way too. A white world. Not like this, covered in flowers and green. It's more…silver and grey. But not bleak. I don't think of Winter as being bleak."
"Somehow, a white world seems to suit you." Shunsui teased, reaching over to ruffle Juushirou's tousled hair. "You're a snowflake yourself, if you come to think about it. I can imagine what your family must've thought, when you were born. That you were some kind of snow baby, if you were as pale then as you are now."
"Stop it!" Juushirou shifted free of his touch, sending him an irritated look. Then he relented, laughing as he shook his head. "Besides, you're wrong. I wasn't any kind of snow baby at all. Pale, maybe. But my hair was as dark as Kuchiki-kun's or Hirata-kun's when I was born. I looked no different from any other newborn baby, then."
"Really?" Despite himself, Shunsui was taken aback, and Juushirou nodded.
"My hair turned white the night my Father died." He said softly. "It was coincidence, but even so, it's how it was. Father died from his injuries three days after the Hollow's attack. I ran a high fever during those same three days. The night of the third, Father passed on. And the night of the third, my hair turned. It's never gone back. I cut it, when I came here, in the hope it might grow back black but…"
He shrugged.
"I'm guessing now my power's surged inside me, it's a one way trip." He said resignedly. "Unohana-sensei said that it had happened in the past, with people who'd had my illness whose hair had turned white. Some of them had survived and somewhat recovered, she'd said – but their hair had never returned to its original colour. And mine probably won't do, either. So Hiro-kun will call me Shiro-nii for the rest of eternity – whether I like it or not."
"Shiro…Shirou. He's quite a wit, isn't he, your younger brother?" Shunsui looked amused, and Juushirou nodded.
"He's the wild spirit of the family. The rebel with the hot temper who's always the first to get in trouble if there's a possible opportunity for him to do so." He agreed. "But Chi-chan and I keep him in order. They're two years younger than me, almost – but because of my health being how it is, I suppose, we've always been close. Being half-siblings or whatever has never made a difference. I know Chi-chan and Hiro-kun both feel it's their job to look out for me, even if I don't need it. Especially since Father died, because I was…fragile, then."
He sighed, looking wistful.
"In return, though, I've always been their Nii-chan…if they've needed help, advice, or even just calming down, I've always tried to do my best. So it's not that it bothers me, if Hiro-kun calls me Shiro-nii. I'm used to it. I just did hope my hair would go back…because I look even less like one of the family with my hair this way."
"You don't look like your siblings at all, then?" Shunsui asked, and Juushirou shrugged.
"I have Father's eyes, but I'm told I look more like Mother in a lot of ways." He replied. "Especially as I've got older. I don't mind, except that I never knew her, whereas Father I looked up to more than anything. And no one ever makes me feel like it's only a half-blooded relationship – but it would be nice, if I looked a little more like part of the family. As it is, it's only really my eyes that make me match."
"They're nice eyes, though. You should use them more effectively." Shunsui's expression became wicked, and Juushirou laughed.
"You never miss a chance to tease me, do you?" He remarked, and Shunsui shook his head.
"Even though you fight back so well, it's hard to resist." He admitted. "Maybe that makes it more fun. Who knows?"
He settled himself more comfortably on the grass.
"But there is a serious note to it too, Juu-kun. I know I tease you about it, but even if you think you're off the market, I'm not sure everyone else feels the same way."
"I beg your pardon?" Juushirou blinked, and Shunsui smiled.
"That's all I'm saying." He said sweetly, pulling himself to his feet and dusting the stray flower petals and leaves from his hakama. "Because that was the bell, and Yama-jii said anyone turning up late would lose ten marks right off the bat. Normally I wouldn't care, but I have a feeling my staying here is probably based on those results…so this time I'm not going to tick him off if I can help it."
"Are you going home for the Summer break?" Juushirou asked, as they made their way towards the main school building with the droves of other students. "We've results at the end of this week, then another week, and after that its ten days without classes. You're practically on the doorstep of District Eight so I suppose you're going to see your Mother and brother and so on?"
"Nope." Shunsui shook his head. "Nii-sama told me he didn't want me home till I'd had a year of Yama-jii's indoctrination and could hopefully act like a decent member of society. That's almost an exact quote, too. He got strict with me – I s'pose he figures there are bigger temptations at home than there are likely to be at school."
"So you won't go home till the Spring?" Juushirou looked surprised, and Shunsui nodded.
"Something like that." He agreed. "It's fine, though. I'm not homesick and I don't mind. Here or there, it doesn't worry me."
He cast his friend a smile. "What about you?"
"Not sure, yet." Juushirou admitted. "I want to, of course…but District Six is further and travelling there is expensive when it's for such a short period of time. My home is coastal, and closer to the border of Fifth District than Seventh. If I travel even on without stopping anywhere overnight it's about two days each way, so that would leave less than a week with my family. And Okaasama would probably rather I didn't try and do it that way – although Kamikura-sensei and I did so coming down, I'd be on my own this time and she'd prefer me not to push myself by trying to sleep in a hired carriage instead of taking the night in a ryokan somewhere en route. I don't want to burden them with the expenses for things like that so…maybe not. I miss them…but…when Winter sets in and the snow comes down, I suppose I'll more want to be at home. And it's a longer break then, because of the weather. Almost a month together, in fact. So I'll probably hold out till then."
"Better hope we won't get snowed in then." Shunsui advised. "But if you're staying, that suits me too. I don't mind being here on my own, but it'll be more fun if you stay too."
"I'm sure we won't be the only ones." Juushirou reflected. "Houjou-kun lives nearby – 50 ri, didn't he say? So he'll be able to get home easily. But I wonder about Hirata, now he's mentioned his family's situation. And District Six is as far for Kuchiki-kun as it is for me…even if he doesn't have the same worries about expense that I do."
"Plus then there's Shihouin." Shunsui added, raising a hand to indicate their classmate as he trudged towards the school building. "I wonder if he'll go home. It's next door for him too, in essence – but will he want to, with things the way they are?"
"I suppose that maybe depends on the news we get from your brother." Juushirou said gravely. "Providing there's any to get."
"And that's today's report, Tokutarou-sama."
Tokutarou leant back on his heels, eying his chief retainer with a pensive, resigned look on his handsome features. It was still only just after breakfast, yet already his desk was cluttered with household reports and tenancy agreements, and he knew that it was going to be another long day fine-tuning and sifting the haphazard records that his spiteful Uncle had left behind. Many documents dated back to his Father's time, and if Tokutarou was honest, these were in even more disarray than the ones bequeathed him by his usurping Uncle. The Kyouraku-ke may be once more on the rise, but there was still a long way to go.
And then, of course, there was his brother. He frowned, pursing his lips.
"What about the girl, Yasuhiro? This Kyouko girl. Have we established any more information from her about what reason Shunsui sent her to us?"
"She has spoken little, my Lord, even to the maidservants in whose company you've placed her." Yasuhiro said gravely. "When she has spoken, it has been in gratitude to my Lord and to Shunsui-sama for their kindness in helping her. She seems to be greatly afraid of something – particularly of leaving the servant quarters and venturing outside. But it seems…"
He hesitated, then,
"It seems, my Lord, that there is no fear of her being with child." He said softly. "Though it is true that she has not been entirely well since her arrival here, your physician has seen her and has confirmed that her words are true. Shunsui-sama appears to have rescued her from a dangerous situation – but their relationship does not appear to go further than that."
Tokutarou sighed, rubbing his temples as relief flooded through him.
"Thank you." He said gravely. "And for your discretion also, Yasuhiro. Though I want to trust my brother, I find it difficult to understand his reasoning this time. What this girl is afraid of, and why he should be so concerned about us providing her with sanctuary. Yet I will, all the same…because if it isn't a matter of his social mistake, it must be something else. And difficult as he can be, my brother has all of Father's wit and perception. So I suspect that there must be something behind it. Even if I don't fully understand what that something is."
"My Lord, there is also a messenger without – a man from the Endou-ke, it seems." Yasuhiro continued, and Tokutarou looked surprised.
"Another missive from Seimaru-dono?" He asked. "Does he intend to demand access to my land once more, in order to search for his 'missing person'?"
"I don't know, my Lord." Yasuhiro admitted. "But it seems our men let him pass through the border unmolested. I do not know by whose authority he comes or on what errand. But he has submitted his weapons to our retainers and seeks an audience with you at once. Would you see him?"
"I suppose I have no choice." Tokutarou sighed. "Little as I like the Endou-ke or their ways, if he has submitted his weapons and come this far I probably ought to hear him out. Very well, Yasuhiro. Let him come in. And also, one more thing, too."
He spread his hands.
"I would like to see the girl as well, some time today." He added. "The Kyouko girl. I wish to speak to her, face to face, and see what I can learn."
"Yes, my Lord." Yasuhiro bowed his acknowledgement, withdrawing from the chamber and as the door slid softly shut behind him, Tokutarou got to his feet, moving to the window of the chamber as he ran things over in his head.
Shunsui, what are you about this time?
His eyes narrowed as he considered his brother's cryptic message.
First the girl, then out of the blue a question regarding the whereabouts of Shihouin Midori. Something is clearly afoot, yet you've not told me what I should be looking out for. Seimaru's sudden eagerness to invade District Eight probably connects to it as well. Is the missing person he's seeking Shihouin Midori? Logic dictates that it must be. In which case, Shunsui, it doesn't seem like she's still in the Endou-ke's hands. But why would you be concerned about something like that? The Kyouraku and the Shihouin aren't exactly allies, whereas the Shihouin and Endou are. What is going on?
"Tokutarou-sama, my apologies for interrupting you so impolitely, but I have been charged to bring a message, and to disclose it to none but you."
The door slid back once more, and Tokutarou turned, casting the courier a resigned look as he took in the colours on the man's robes.
"Another message?" He murmured softly. "Two communications in as many days from our neighbours in District Seven – I didn't realise they were so keen on forming friendly relations."
"If you please, sir, my name is Kibana, and I'm the personal servant of Endou Misashi-sama." The man bowed his head once more, slipping his fingers into his obi and pulling out the distinctive carved figure of the Endou crest, engraved as it was with the characters for Misashi's name. "This message he bade me bring you in person, for fear of anyone intercepting it along the way."
"From Misashi-dono?" Tokutarou's expression grew thoughtful and he crossed the room towards his guest, sinking down once more behind his desk. "And not Seimaru-dono himself?"
"If you please, my Lord, the message I bring has no connection to Seimaru-sama whatsoever." Kibana shook his head. "It is a missive from my master direct. That is all."
"I see." Tokutarou digested this carefully. "Then it is of such urgency you feel I should read it straight away, and not delay it until I have finished the tricky business of assigning land to hopeful tenants?"
"If you will indulge me, Tokutarou-sama, my master would be most grateful." Kibana bowed again. "Only he has great fears that time is already slipping away – and he has only just found the opportunity to send this message."
"You seem to have crossed the border remarkably easily, Kibana." Tokutarou commented, even as he held out his hand for the small black casket that held the rolled up scroll. "I don't make it a habit of inviting Endou messengers into my territory – the last that came came with the armed escort of my soldiers. How is it, pray, that you managed to slip by without such antics?"
"With respect, sir, I am not a citizen of District Seven by birth." Kibana bowed his head a third time, half making Tokutarou wonder if the man was loose at the waist. "I was once a retainer at your Lord Uncle's land towards the border, but when he rose his sword against you, I defected and fled to protect my wife and daughter from the bloodshed. I still carry the crest of the Kyouraku-ke with me when I travel – it was that which induced Misashi-sama to hire me as his personal retainer."
"Intriguing." Tokutarou commented. "That your foreign birth made you a target for Misashi-dono's attentions?"
"Yes, sir." Kibana bit his lip, but nodded. "It is a…complicated situation."
"Most things involving our neighbours seem to be complicated." Tokutarou said wryly, unrolling the letter and glancing at it briefly. "And your master wishes an immediate response? Or is your duty now discharged?"
"If you have a return message, I will gladly take it." Kibana agreed. "Misashi-sama said that you would probably give one, on seeing his letter."
"I see." Tokutarou's brow furrowed. "Then stand silent for a moment, and let me read."
He turned his attention back to the letter, confusion growing with every line.
"To the honourable Tokutarou-sama, leader of our good neighbours the Kyouraku-ke [it read]
Whilst it brings me no pleasure at all to trouble you with our political complications, in this matter I must seek your goodwill. It relates to the passage of a young girl from our land to your own. I am writing now simply because I am sure that the girl in question has now entered your land and is no longer in District Seven. Her name is Saku, I believe, and she is a maidservant formerly in the service of the Lady Midori, whose person has recently disappeared from our custody.
A man I trust who flanks the border between us has passed me word that Saku is now in District Eight, which is also the land of her birth. I believe she is heading for District One. She does not travel alone, but takes with her a black cat with vivid golden eyes. I do not ask you to apprehend these travellers, nor interrogate them. But simply to allow them safe passage through your land – for the errand they are sent on is one of great importance.
It would be a great relief to me if you would not disclose this information to my honoured nephew, Seimaru. He has much already to take in, with Midori-dono's unexpected disappearance. I would not wish him to become distracted at such a difficult time.
With all the respect of the Endou-ke,
Endou Misashi."
He set the scroll down, glancing at Kibana thoughtfully.
"How much of the contents of this letter do you know, Kibana?" He asked softly, and Kibana frowned.
"That it concerns a girl born in District Eight returning to her homeland." He said simply. "That is all."
"Then you may tell your master that any born in District Eight are welcome to return here without persecution by the Kyouraku-ke." Tokutarou rolled up the scroll, setting it to one side. "The girl will not be molested now she has returned to her motherland. Also, one more thing – tell him that I wish him and Seimaru-dono the best luck in resolving the matter of Midori-dono's strange disappearance. However, I would like it if Seimaru-dono did not demand quite so imperiously to enter my land to search for her. The matters of the Endou-ke are their own to resolve…there are no Shihouin in District Eight and I would not welcome them if they wished to enter. You can tell your master that, and his honoured nephew also. The girl called Saku belongs here. The Endou army and the girl from the Shihouin do not."
"Yes, sir." Kibana bowed his head, but there was a flicker of relief in his dark eyes. "Thank you. I will convey your words forthwith."
"See that you do." Tokutarou said frankly. "I wouldn't like other families to think we had forged an alliance with the Shihouin on the sly, or that we had had some part in the disappearance of Seimaru-dono's future bride."
As Kibana withdrew from the chamber, Tokutarou glanced at the scroll once more, pursing his lips as he considered its contents.
Misashi-dono is not a foolish man. In fact, for an Endou, he's quite reasonable, really. I wonder why he'd be so concerned about a low-born servant girl. What did he mean about her errand…and why did he mention her pet, of all the stupid things! There must be a thousand stray cats in District Eight already – why would I care about a black one with…
At this he faltered, his eyes widening as he grabbed up the scroll once more.
She does not travel alone, but takes with her a black cat with vivid golden eyes.
The words jumped out of the page at him, as a sudden chill ran down his spine.
"A black cat with golden eyes." He murmured. "A euphemism, perhaps, to describe the missing daughter of the Shadow Clan? Dark skin, golden eyes – that must be his meaning. After all, he refers to them in the plural, yet how would I possibly interrogate a cat? He's not telling me that this Saku girl has fled back to her birthplace. He's telling me that she's fleeing District Seven with Shihouin Midori as her companion. And that somehow they've got through the border to our land."
He clenched his fists, half ready to summon the messenger back and order his retainers to search the District for the fugitives. Then, as Shunsui's own missive flickered through his thoughts, he paused.
First the girl, Kyouko. Then you asked me something which I now know some part the answer. Shunsui-kun, is that why you wrote to me like this after all? Did you contact me about Shihouin Midori because you thought she'd be here, even if I knew nothing about it?
He groaned, running his fingers through his thick hair.
Your mother has always said you inherited Father's intuition that way. Maybe you should be the Head of the Clan after all – certainly you seem to see things far more quickly than I do. Still, though, why would you care about the safety of the Shihouin girl? These continuous messages are cryptic and frustrating.
He glanced at Misashi's letter for a third time.
"Heading for District One." He murmured. "Heading for where you are, Shunsui. And the Academy. Is that the connection? Kyouko is from District One, and she's fleeing frightened from something yet all you told me was that her life was in danger and that it must be protected at all costs. I thought I'd sent you to school – have I sent you into a hotbed of intrigue and danger instead?"
"Tokutarou-sama. The girl is here to see you now."
The voice of one of the maidservants brought his attention back to matters at hand, and he re-fastened the scroll, slipping it back into the black casket. He did not know if the stray could read, but there was no sense in taking unnecessary risks.
"Have her enter." He called, and the door slid back, as Lord and hostess faced one another properly for the first time.
For a moment there was a pause, then Kyouko dropped to the floor, prostrating herself before the startled Clan leader.
"You are Kyouko?" He asked, and the girl raised her head, meeting his gaze with hesitant, fearful ones of her own.
"Yes, sir." She whispered, and Tokutarou beckoned for her to come forward.
"I am glad you are here. I was about to send for you." He said gently. "Come stand before me, Kyouko. I don't understand why we're meeting in this way, but I'm sure the reason is a good one. And I hope, perhaps, you can give me a clearer idea of what it is."
Kyouko's features paled, but she stumbled to her feet, shuffling obediently forward and standing about a foot or two away from her companion. She was not tall, Tokutarou realised, nor particularly distinctive, and though she was pretty, he realised that it was a tragic kind of prettiness – the beauty of one whose soul had been scarred yet had struggled on regardless. She was pale, with shadowed eyes that indicated her ill health since she had arrived in District Eight and now, dressed in the simple robes of a serving wench, free of make-up and with her thick hair pulled back in a simple tail, she seemed very young indeed. Perhaps, he reflected, even as young as Shunsui himself.
"What is your full name, Kyouko?" He asked softly, and Kyouko looked startled.
"Harizono Kyouko, sir." She murmured, and Tokutarou nodded.
"And the Harizono-ke come from District One, correct?"
"Yes, sir. Though there's only me left, now. My family are all gone before me."
"Gone? All of them?"
"Yes sir. From plague in our village, sir." Kyouko agreed. "There's just me left now. I have no ties."
"Noone who might worry about you?"
Kyouko's expression became troubled.
"Only Megumi." She murmured. "My…my friend. She was like my sister. But…"
"You said 'was'." Tokutarou frowned. "Megumi is no longer around?"
"I don't know." Kyouko admitted faintly. "But I…I think…probably…she's dead."
Tokutarou's mind flitted back to a communication from his Shiba kin regarding a strange murder on Yamamoto land, and he frowned.
"Yes. Very probably that's true." He said gravely.
"Shunsui-sama…he told me…he'd try and help her." Kyouko said brokenly. "But I didn't…I wasn't sure…only I promised Megumi I'd go for help. And Shunsui-sama was the only one…Megumi said we could trust him. So I did. But even then…I thought it would be too late. Maybe in the end…I was running for my own life, because Megumi's…"
She faltered, as tears glittered on her lashes, and despite himself Tokutarou felt sorry for the girl. Gently he rested his hands on her shoulders, and she gazed up at him, wary and confused.
"I know you told this story to my retainers, also." He said quietly. "And that you have no romantic connection to my brother. This is true?"
"Y..yes sir." Kyouko nodded fervently. "Shunsui-sama…was kind to us. He talked to us and gave us coin when we needed help. He didn't treat us like…he wasn't…it wasn't like that. He kept his promises, so Megumi trusted him. And I…I trust him too. Because he said if I came here, you'd help me. And…and he was right. You have."
Relief flooded Tokutarou once more as he realised that, scared and fragile as she was, there was honesty in the young woman's tearful eyes.
"I will keep my brother's promise, yes." He agreed now. "Though I'd like to know what it is you were running away from. Shunsui wasn't able to give me details in his message, for fear of someone else reading it en route. But since you're now safely in my custody, I'd appreciate it from your own lips. What is the danger in District One that you are fleeing from?"
"I don't know enough to answer, sir." Kyouko said sadly. "I know it has something to do with dangerous people. A man with pale eyes and dark hair took Megumi and I from our home. She knew him, but I did not. And that's all I know. It was Megumi's business. I was just caught up in it by mistake. I escaped and Megumi told me to go to Shunsui for help. So I did. And that's all."
"Pale eyes. Dark hair." Tokutarou's eyes narrowed as an image of Seimaru flashed into his brain. "What an interesting coincidence."
"Sir?" Kyouko looked apprehensive, and Tokutarou shook his head.
"For the time being, that will keep." He said reflectively. "There is, after all, another matter I wish to ask you about."
Kyouko stared up at him with big, frightened eyes, and Tokutarou's lips thinned.
"You've been involved in the chemical underworld in District One, haven't you?" He asked quietly, and Kyouko flushed red, nodding her head.
"Y…yes sir." She admitted.
"I thought as much." Tokutarou sighed, then, "Dammit, Kyouko, do you understand what those things are? How many people's lives they've destroyed - and how difficult it makes things for me now, having you here when I know such a thing is happening just over the border rise?"
At his sudden frustrated outburst, Kyouko took a hesitant step back, bowing her head fervently before him.
"I'm sorry, sir." She murmured. "If...if it means you want me to leave, after all..."
"I want you to tell me the truth." Tokutarou forced his annoyance under his control, reaching across to raise the girl's face to his once more. "Those chemicals were designed for Nobility to use to power their own reiatsu to the next level, but all they did was cause madness, addiction and death. They were banned and should have been destroyed in all forms long ago - yet still they slip through the cracks and into society's lower levels. And to people like you, Kyouko...and I suppose, your friend Megumi."
Kyouko nodded wordlessly.
"My brother, did he know about this when he helped you?"
"I don't know." Kyouko admitted. "I don't know if Megumi ever told him, or if he knew by any other means."
She faltered, then seemed to gather the last scraps of her courage, facing the Lord bravely.
"Megumi was addicted to the chemicals when I first met her." She said shakily. "And she knew she was, but she didn't care. She said she had nothing else so it didn't matter if she had those. She did almost anything she could to get them - even though we were like sisters, they were still more important to her than I was. That's when she got into danger, I suppose. Because of the reidoku."
"Reidoku. Spirit poison. An apt street name for such debilitating potions." Tokutarou said grimly, and Kyouko nodded.
"I will not lie before you, my Lord." She murmured. "I too have used reidoku. But it wasn't...for me, it wasn't like Megumi was. My reiatsu and my body are both weak. Hers was stronger, and so she became addicted almost right away. But though I took it from time to time, I didn't value it over my life or over hers. She was the most important thing to me - like my true big sister since mine had gone. That is the truth, sir. By my life I swear it - I only resorted to it when times were particularly harsh."
"I see." Tokutarou frowned. "And since you have been here? After all, this process has been considerably stressful for you, I imagine."
"There are…no ways to get reidoku…in District Eight." Kyouko whispered. "And I don't…I don't want to touch them any more. Because of them, Megumi was probably murdered in a horrible way. And I hate it. I hate that! Please, Tokutarou-sama. Please believe me. I haven't taken anything since I've been in your care. Nothing at all, not even a drop!"
Tokutarou eyed her long and hard for a moment, seeing once more the sincerity in her gaze. He smiled.
"Then that is well." He told her. "Because I feel strongly about the use of such things, Kyouko. And I couldn't condone or tolerate such a trade spreading to this district. I don't know the ins and outs of how reidoku is so readily available in a place like District One - but I won't have it spreading here if I can possibly help it."
"Megumi bought the drugs or traded them for services in the town where we lived." Kyouko reached up to wipe away the tears that had begun to trickle unbidden down her cheeks. "I know she's not important to you, sir, and that what happened to her means even less. But...but even if that's true, Shunsui-sama told me you'd be good to me and even though I'm so far beneath your notice, you have. So...so if I can tell you that as well..."
"You know where the chemicals come from?" Tokutarou asked sharply, and Kyouko nodded.
"I don't know who hurt Megumi and I, and how they were involved in anything else. It may not have had anything to do with reidoku at all." She said shakily. "But I do know that the person Megumi got the chemicals from was a travelling rogue called Fujima Yatsuhiko. I too met with him on two or three occasions, although he had left the town before Megumi was...before all of that happened. He did that, from time to time, and travelled to other areas as well. It used to make Megumi angry and reckless, when she couldn't easily get what she wanted because he was away elsewhere."
"Fujima..."
"He was often with another man, when we saw them in town." Kyouko added softly. "A man called Aitori Hideaki. And Shunsui-sama knows him, because he...he's a teacher at the Academy."
"A teacher? Involved in dealing reidoku?" Tokutarou's gaped, and Kyouko shrugged.
"I never saw him sell drugs, though he used to pay Megumi regularly for services and I assumed that was sex." She said miserably. "Only now I don't know. Aitori-san did come to the town often, and he often had visitors, Megumi said - but I don't know if he was involved in anything else. I just knew that Fujima-san was one of his guests from time to time. Aitori-san has a house in the town - and Fujima-san often stayed there when he came from the East."
"From the East...into District One." Tokutarou's eyes became near slits. "The East being District Two. Shihouin land."
"Sir?" Kyouko looked apprehensive, and Tokutarou shook himself from his reverie, casting the girl a rueful smile.
"There are a lot of things you needn't bother about, now you're here." He said frankly. "I've offered you sanctuary and I believe in keeping my word. I will protect you, so long as you need protection - and the easiest way to do that is to keep you close at hand. Here are my terms, Harizono Kyouko, so listen well, okay?"
"Y...Yes, Tokutarou-sama?" Kyouko eyed him warily, and Tokutarou pursed his lips.
"On the understanding that reidoku never enters this District by your hands, let alone this estate." He said softly. "I think the best place to hide you is in plain sight. I will send word through Yasuhiro that you are to be given simple accommodation among the serving staff, and from hereon in, act as though that was your true reason for coming here. You will be watched, for your safety as well as for mine. But I think that this is the best way to solve your situation, at least temporarily. Otherwise, there will be stories about your connection to my brother - and foolish as he can be, I'd rather not have the headache of that to deal with. Far better if we were to circulate that you were the kin of people who had once lived in District Eight - and that you've come here in search of work. All right?"
Kyouko paused, then bowed low before him.
"Thank you, Tokutarou-sama." She said softly, her voice shaking slightly with what Tokutarou realised was raw, open gratitude and relief.
"Then go. Report to Yasuhiro and tell him my instruction. He will see that everything is done according to my wishes." He told her simply. "Work hard, Kyouko. I believe in treating my staff fairly, and if you have no other place to go, proof of hard work may go a long way towards settling your future."
"Yes, sir!" Kyouko bowed fervently once more, then withdrew from the room, and Tokutarou could hear the clatter of her feet as she ran away down the hallway.
Despite himself, he smiled.
Lowborn, perhaps, and foolish in her choice of friends. But fortune has a lot to do with those choices. I understand a little more, Shunsui, now. You protected her because you knew already about this Aitori and it's all tied in with Shihouin Midori. Am I supposed to read into that, then, that the Shihouin-ke are involved in producing illegal drugs? Perhaps it's time I looked into it and found out. But in the meantime - I need to write an equally cryptic response so you know I've understood.
He sank down behind his table once more, pulling a sheet of clean parchment from his pile and picking up his brush.
Perhaps this means you're using your brains for something, after all, little brother. Although I hope that, in all of this, you're not putting the welfare of local town girls above your own future prospects!
"You know, I still don't really see why we need to do this." Shunsui cast his companion a resigned look, tying his obi more tightly around his waist as he shifted the shirt of his hakama more comfortably into place. "I'm half-asleep, and barely even dressed. Why are we traipsing across school again?"
It was the end of the week, and an extra free day for the students as a reward for their hard exam work - yet even so, with results being posted at dawn that morning, Juushirou had dragged his classmates from their beds, determined to discover their fate all together.
For Shunsui, who hated early mornings, it had been a scramble to be ready by the time his companions were ready to go, and he had bemoaned the fact loudly, complaining that for once he had no Kitchen duty and would've liked a lie in.
But it had fallen on deaf ears, so in the end he had given in, a slight sigh of resignation passing his lips as he realised that Juushirou wasn't going to let up.
He's really the only person who can make me do things, Nii-sama. It may sound funny, but it really is true.
"It's results day, of course." Juushirou cast his companion a grin now. "And I want to come because I'm really curious to see how we all made out. These are proper exams, after all - not tests and assessments. They're ranking tests. And I want to see what happens when you actually study."
"I'm with Kyouraku. I'm easy either way." Enishi grimaced. "I'll find out soon enough whether I scraped into staying in Class One or I didn't...I don't need a rude awakening in front of people."
"They'll see it anyway, though, Houjou-kun." Hirata pointed out softly. "It's better to know at the same time as everyone else, isn't it?"
"Exactly." Juushirou beamed. "So we're going. Kuchiki-kun's already come down to check his results, after all. And Shihouin-kun..."
"Who knows where he is?" Shunsui sighed. "I've a letter from Nii-sama to show him, but he was gone by the time I got up this morning, too. Maybe he had grades to check himself - but I can't imagine exams have been much on his mind as late."
"It looks like most of the school have turned out down here." Enishi reflected, gesturing to the crowd of students huddled around the big noticeboard as they entered the Great Hall. "Everyone's results are being posted at once - we'll never see anything at this rate."
"Shunsui! Shunsuuuii! Dammit, where are you!"
Before anyone could respond, the shrill sound of Sora's shrieking voice cut through the bustle of students gathered eagerly around the noticeboard, and as the girl herself became visible through the melee, Shunsui winced, covering his ears with his hands.
"Drop a decibel or three, Sora, please!" He exclaimed. "What's so exciting you have to shriek like a strangled chicken, anyway? I'm right here, not all the way in District Eight!"
"I've been looking for you all over the place." Sora told him sharply, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him forcibly towards the mass of students. "You've got to come see this. I want an explanation and so does everyone about what exactly's going on!"
"An explanation?" Shunsui echoed, even as he let himself be led towards the centre of the melee. "What kind of explanation?"
"Our results are up here." Was Sora's only reply, however, and as they approached, the cluster of First Year students parted, several of them staring at Shunsui and whispering to themselves as they did so. Shunsui frowned, his brow knitting together as he tried to interpret their odd reactions.
Did I flunk out after all, then? Am I going to be sent down to Class Two?
For a brief moment fear clenched his heart at this thought, and he smiled ruefully, realising that even in a few months he had become fond of his classmates.
No. That won't do. I don't want to be moved down. Nii-sama, what's happening to me? At this rate when we meet again, you won't even know me at all.
"There. That. Look at that." Sora tugged on the sleeve of his hakama, pulling him back to reality, and he obediently raised his gaze, following the line of her hand to the boards above their heads.
As he did so, he heard Enishi's gasp of surprise from behind him, and he realised that despite Sora's headlong flight, his companions had caught him up.
He frowned, staring at the board as he struggled to take in what he was seeing.
There, in bright chalk letters, were the four characters that made up his name. But more than that, above them was a number. And, as he stared at it, he felt a strange, giddy sense of achievement wash through him.
The number was one.
"I knew it." Juushirou's voice came from his left side, and he turned, offering his friend a rueful smile.
"Did you?" He asked. "I didn't, so why would you?"
"Because I know its not the first time." Juushirou shrugged. "You're just putting yourself back where you should be. And that's not surprising at all. I knew you could do it if you tried, Shunsui-kun."
"Wait a minute." Sora held up her hands. "Are you serious? Juushirou, you're not shocked? This guy's skived classes, slept through them and done basically nothing for most of the term. Doesn't it bother you that he's come top? He's pipped you by three marks, and you've worked like crazy for the whole of the term so far!"
"I have to work hard." Juushirou cast her a grin. "I have to control my reiatsu and it's not easy to do, yet. But Shunsui's much more naturally talented than me that way, I think. He picks things up, even if it seems like he doesn't."
"Well, I screwed up good and proper now, because the whole world knows it instead of just you." Shunsui clicked his tongue against his teeth absently, though inwardly he felt a surge of unfamiliar pride in his own achievement. "Ah well. I suppose it can't be helped. I'm not good at messing up exam results, I guess."
"Why would you want to?" Enishi sent him a bewildered look, and Shunsui grinned.
"Lazy, I guess." He admitted. "People expect you to do well if you do well once. Mind you..."
"Mind you, this is twice." Juushirou said innocently, and Sora's brow furrowed.
"Twice?"
"Juu, did you have to mention that in front of her?" Shunsui looked plaintive, and Juushirou laughed, nodding his head.
"Sora's your friend and almost your kin. She deserves to know as much as anyone else." He pointed out. "Sora, Shunsui was the one who ranked top on the entrance exams. He's kept it a secret till now because he didn't want people to think he should be working harder than he was. But it's the truth."
Sora's eyes almost fell out of her head, staring at Shunsui in incredulation, and he held up his hands in mock surrender.
"Guilty." He admitted. "But again, it wasn't on purpose. It just...sort of...happened."
"The results are all really tight, though." Hirata gazed back up at the board. "Kyouraku-kun is top by three marks, and Ukitake-kun is above Kuchiki-kun by just two. That's five points splitting the top three."
"And thirteen points between Kuchiki-kun and I, when I gave everything and then some to rank this time round." Sora said ruefully. "Still, though, I've upped my ranking by one. I guess Okaasama will be all right with that, in the end."
"Shihouin-kun's marks have slipped." Juushirou reflected. "He's eighth, this time, instead of fourth - just ten marks above you, Houjou-kun. I guess things are weighing on his mind."
"I heard a rumour that his sister had been kidnapped from District Seven." Sora agreed. "I guess that kind of thing takes precedence over anything else."
Hirata moved across to the second board, squinting at it through the lenses of his spectacles.
"Kyouraku-kun was top in Hohou and Sakusen, second in Kidou and fourth in Kenjitsu." He murmured. "To finish top overall. Ukitake-kun was top in Kidou, though. And you were second in Kenjitsu, Houjou-kun - just a mark and a half behind Shihouin-kun."
"That's the only reason I'm still ninth." Enishi scratched his head ruefully. "I ranked bottom in Kidou for our class, even with extra classes and Ukitake's help."
"But that's better than when we had the assessment." Juushirou said comfortingly. "You rank with Class One in everything. Ninth is fine, because ninth is still Class One. Right?"
"I suppose so." Enishi grinned. "Thanks, Ukitake. I feel better now."
"I was bottom in Kenjitsu." Hirata added. "But everything else was all right and I've moved up to fifth overall. Father will be glad to hear that."
He smiled.
"I don't mind being here so much any more." He added. "Maybe that helps, not having to hide away and worry about what Seimaru might do to me next. I like being at the Academy, now. I think I'll be able to help my family, if I keep going like this."
"Congratulations, Kyouraku-kun." Ryuu interrupted the conversation at that moment, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgement of his classmate's achievement. "You too, Ukitake-kun. It's a close margin, but one I'll take seriously - I won't lose to either of you again, now I know what I'm up against."
"It really was very close." Juushirou agreed. "Odd marks here and there, I suppose, decided it in the end. You did well too, Kuchiki-kun. No one's disgraced themselves."
"No one except Shihouin." Ryuu looked derisive. "From fourth to eighth is a big slip. Far bigger than from second to third, I think...especially considering the number of points involved."
"Speaking of Shihouin..." Shunsui frowned, his sharp eyes making out the slim form of their missing classmate at the edge of the crowd, gazing up at the board with a distracted look in his golden eyes. "Give me some time, please, you people. I have word from my brother, and I think it should be given to him before anyone else."
"We'll head to the Dining Hall and see you there for breakfast." Juushirou nodded, understanding crossing his hazel eyes. "We know, after all, where we stand for the next semester - and so now we can eat. It won't matter if we're a little early, after all."
"Thanks, Juu-kun." Shunsui grinned, gratitude in his eyes. "I'll try not to be too long."
"I'm coming with." Sora decided. "I need a good meal to get over my shock."
"I also, but for more mundane reasons." Ryuu added. "Even though it seems I was pipped by two classmates this time, I have still increased my score by a complete fifteen marks all round. And this is undoubtedly cause for some celebration."
Shunsui grinned, shaking his head in amusement as he watched the group leave, their voices fading as they disappeared into the hallway and towards the Dining Hall. Then he steeled himself, sliding his fingers into his obi for the precious letter as he crossed the floor.
"Shihouin? A word?" He said softly, and Kai glanced up, staring at him for a moment, then frowning.
"News?" He asked softly, and Shunsui nodded, slipping his arm into his companion's and leading him out of the melee.
"Out here is quieter." He said simply, pushing back the door that led outside into the early morning sunshine. "Juu and the others have gone to the Dining Hall, so I could show you in private. But I think it's good news, Kai-kun. At least, it doesn't seem as bad as you feared."
"Kai's brows knitted together, and he held his hand out for the letter.
"May I read it?" He murmured, and Shunsui grinned, handing the parchment over.
"With pleasure, if you can make out my brother's terrible scrawl." He agreed amiably. "It's quite a cryptic message, too."
"As for the rumours you have no doubt heard from young Sora, it seems to be the case that the Shihouin girl is no longer in District Seven." Kai read softly, running his finger alongside the straggly text as he absorbed its contents. "The circumstances seem somewhat mysterious, though I have had missives from Seimaru-dono requesting permission to enter District Eight and search for a missing person there. He has not given me any names, of course, and I have refused his request. However, it seems impossible that the two things are not connected. Apparently even the Endou-ke don't know what has become of their caged butterfly.
I did also hear a story of a girl and a black cat crossing into our territory. I found it interesting, since black cats with golden eyes are a rare breed in this part of Soul Society. That being the case, I have decided to leave well alone. Their destination is unknown, but it would not surprise me if they were soon outside of my jurisdiction."
He glanced up, his eyes wide with hope, and Shunsui nodded.
"It seems to me that your sister didn't like her cage and flew it, just as Nii-sama's suggesting." He said frankly, taking back the letter and re-folding it before sliding it into his obi once more. "And she's no longer in Endou hands."
"Then the question remains as to why." Kai bit his lip. "She knew that this alliance was decided by Uncle, and she believes in Clan honour. So something must've happened...and why hasn't she made contact? Has it really been that dangerous?"
"A girl and a black cat." Shunsui murmured. "You know, then, what that means?"
"The girl, I couldn't tell you." Kai shook his head. "But I'm certain Tokutarou-sama is referring to my sister when he mentions the cat."
He smiled, some of the pressure gone from his amber eyes.
"She is the shadow, after all." He murmured.
"And that means...?"
Kai hesitated, then he sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
"My Clan and yours are not allies." He said carefully. "Yet Tokutarou-sama clearly knows my sister has trespassed into his land and is doing nothing about it. Even though she has no business being there, especially in the current climate between Clans in favour and against Genryuusai-sensei's scheme. I am grateful for that and for your help, and because of it, I wish things were different. The Endou-ke is not a Clan we should be allying with - it would have been much better had Uncle decided Midori-neesama was to marry your brother than the Endou heir."
"Was it considered?" Shunsui looked interested, and Kai spread his hands.
"Midori-neesama's future spouse has been discussed in many quarters for some time, and your brother's name was one mentioned as a potential tie." He admitted. "Father wasn't against it, and nor was Aneue herself. But then this alliance came up, and then..."
He shook his head as if to clear it.
"But that is beside the point. You have helped me and I want to show you that the Shihouin also have honour. So I will tell you about Midori-neesama. And about what it means, to be the shadow of the Shihouin."
"I'm listening." Shunsui smiled, inwardly turning over in his mind the idea of Tokutarou's reaction to a marriage offer from the Shihouin. "Nii-sama might regret losing that potential alliance, after all - I'm told Midori-dono is exceptionally beautiful."
"Naturally." Kai managed a faint smile. "But it's more than that. In our Clan, you see, there's a skill passed down from generation to generation. Only one is able to use its secrets at any one time, and it is always passed through the female line. There have been female heads of the Shihouin-ke often in the past - unlike the Kuchiki, we don't disdain our women kinsfolk so easily in positions of authority."
He sighed.
"Mother was the last shadow." He continued. "Her marriage to Father re-united two sides of the family that had grown distant - and brought the Shadow skill back into the heart of the Clan. Uncle was already married then, and he had a daughter of his own, plus later two sons. He hoped my mother would teach the Shadow skill to his daughter, but she was never strong enough to learn it...and then she and her older brother were both killed in a skirmish at the Urahara border, leaving the weakest brother as the heir to the Clan. Uncle and Father have a strong bond between them, and Father has always been Uncle's most loyal ally and supporter in all ways. So Uncle didn't mind, when Mother passed away from illness and it became clear that she'd bequeathed the Shadow skill to my sister instead. Midori-neesama is the only surviving girl in this generation of the Shihouin - and stronger than both my brother and I in many respects. She's looked up to by many...and even though she's not next in line to inherit the Clan, who she marries is of great importance. She always has suitors, because of how highly she's revered both inside and outside of District Two."
"Which would suggest that the Endou-ke wouldn't dare hurt her." Shunsui murmured. "I thought so. I thought she must've left on her own account."
He eyed his companion keenly.
"And the Shadow skill? It's a long shot, but it has something to do with this euphemism of a black cat?"
"It's not a euphemism." Kai shook his head. "That is the skill. Midori-neesama can change her shape, heighten her senses and wits and conceal herself in the form of a black cat. When she does so, she can hide her reiatsu completely from prying senses, even those belonging to her own kin."
"And that is how she's slipped the net." Comprehension flooded Shunsui's features. "If you knew that, you shouldn't have been worried at all, Kai-kun. If she had a talent like that, it should've been obvious that she would use it."
"I know." Kai admitted. "But even so...I was worried. Midori-neesama isn't just the Shadow Cat to me - she's my older sister and I couldn't help it. She hasn't contacted anyone, and even if she can't, with things as they are..."
"Your family are involved in something bad, aren't they?" Shunsui asked softly, and Kai flinched, biting his lip.
"I thought so." Shunsui sighed. "Something involving Megumi, Aitori and why you didn't want Onoe spreading rumours about Juu's reiatsu."
"Ukitake's reiatsu is all his own. It was a foolish assertion and Tomoyuki should have known better."
"Yes. He should." Shunsui nodded. "But so should you - and your kin."
He frowned, shaking his head.
"Your family are involved in illegal chemical experiments, aren't they?" He murmured, dropping his tone so that Kai had to strain to hear him. "That's what this is all about, isn't it? Midori-dono may not be involved, and you might not be either. But someone inside your Clan is. And from what you said about your Father - about him doing anything for your Uncle - I'm guessing it's him. Because you said yourself that your cousin hasn't very strong reiatsu. And those chemicals are designed to boost spiritual power in Noble level reiatsu, aren't they?"
Kai closed his eyes, and Shunsui rested a hand on his arm.
"I have no proof." He said simply. "And you don't have to answer me, either, if you don't want to. Like you defended Juu's reiatsu, I know yours is all your own, and its of a good level - a level that deserves a higher ranking than eighth. If Midori-dono is stronger than you, and she's inherited the mantle of your Clan's special skill, she's not going to be a candidate for these experiments, either. So I imagine what happened is that your Uncle begged your Father to do something to help his son get stronger. And your Father couldn't say no, and so got tied up in something sinister."
Kai took a deep breath into his lungs.
"Aitori gathers material from District One to assist Father." He said softly. "But Father does not distribute chemicals to anyone at all. It is research, that is all. There have been no active experimentations since he took the project over, and noone has died as a result of what he is doing. Yes, it is illegal. It is against the ban and if he were to be caught, the Council would seek his death. But it is not as it sounds. My cousin is the only one who will ever receive the chemical, and he will do so knowing that it may kill or break him. Uncle is afraid of another civil split in the Clan, and my cousin is not strong enough to hold the factions together with the feeble power he possesses. That is why. It is for peace in District Two, not to cause pain and suffering to town girls in District One."
"That's your take on it, perhaps." Shunsui rubbed his chin. "And I do see your logic, even if I don't agree with the methods. The trouble is, though, that the chemicals are coming here from somewhere. And Aitori's undoubtedly involved, if he's smuggling things one way. You think so too, don't you?"
"Yes." Kai admitted. "But I'm not in a position to do anything. Aitori knew Megumi was going to be killed, but he didn't tell me about it and he wouldn't have done had I not confronted him and asked him directly. He's that kind of man - I don't think he's acting with Father's or the Clan's best interests in mind."
"And the Endou-ke?"
"They are involved." Kai bit his lip. "But exactly what Seimaru-dono seeks to gain from it, I don't know."
"Seimaru killed Megumi, didn't he?"
"He or his men." Kai swallowed hard. "But listen. Kyouraku, listen to me. I know you care about the justice of this girl, and I won't talk you out of that. And I have trusted you, because you have reached out a hand to help me and I consider that proof of your honour. Perhaps, even, proof that alliance between your people and mine is not yet impossible. But there is no proof against the Endou-ke and they are your neighbours. It will only cause your brother greater trouble if you make allegations without firm, unrefutable evidence. They cover their tracks, just as we do. And whilst I'm no longer sure Aitori is someone the Clan can trust, if you were to mention any of this to anyone else, I would deny it and swear on my life that it was all lies."
"I've no intention of doing anything." Shunsui said levelly, and Kai shot him a startled look.
"But...?"
"You're right. These aren't people I can challenge with flimsy suspicions." Shunsui grinned. "Besides, you're thrust into this without much choice. I don't want to make it harder for you, either, since Juu seems convinced you're an okay person underneath all your Clan attitude and prejudices. And Juu has an uncanny knack of making me listen to him. So you can thank him, in a sense, for that."
Kai sent him a wary look, and Shunsui's expression became serious.
"This can't carry on, though." He murmured. "Someone will find out, sooner or later. I believe you, when you say your Father's involvement is how it is, but that doesn't mean there aren't other weak links. And your Clan will suffer. I'd wager Midori-dono realises that too. And she's moved in order to try and save things, before it's too late."
"You mean...?" Kai's eyes widened, and Shunsui nodded.
"I think your sister's coming to pay us all a visit." He agreed.
Kai looked troubled, then,
"Then I have one more favour to ask of you." He murmured. "And I'd like it if you'd keep it from anyone else, for the time being. But...I think if there is someone I can trust, at present it must be you. You have helped me so far, and I don't think you mean to cause trouble for my family even knowing what you do. So will you...will you help me in one other way?"
"Depends what it is." Shunsui looked surprised, and Kai sighed.
"Tomorrow is our free day." He said quietly. "And given what you've said, I don't think it wise I leave here. Not with Aitori keeping such close tabs on me. He has a house in the town, after all - and there's nowhere I can go without being observed by either him or Tomoyuki. But if Midori-neesama is in the area...and safe...I want to know. So will you go for me, and find out? It may be difficult, if she's concealing her presence - but there is no one else I can ask. And if she is safe, and this isn't some elaborate scheme on the part of the Endou...I want to know what she intends by being here. Or more, if she's just passing through here to get back to District Two."
"That's worrying you too, is it?" Shunsui asked, and Kai's golden eyes clouded over as he nodded.
"My sister is a strong person." He whispered. "And she has a lot of pride. If she's left District Seven against Father and Uncle's will, it means she's going to do something significant. And if she's heading this way, she may well be heading for home and...and I don't know what she might do when she gets there. So...if you can find her...please, find her. Because I don't want her to do something that might get her hurt."
"Would she act that way?" Shunsui looked startled, and Kai nodded.
"She was angry and upset when she was sent to District Seven, since she was sent against her will and wasn't even allowed to take her own servants with her. She railed against it to begin with, but her hand was forced by Uncle's orders." He murmured. "And there's one other thing about my sister, too. She has a zanpakutou, Kyouraku. She's the only Shihouin other than Uncle who presently carries one - and she can release it to a high level if she so chooses."
"But surely she doesn't have that with her? As a cat...?" Shunsui was bemused, and Kai shook his head.
"Neesama's sword is one that even in the form of a cat she can carry." He responded sadly "One that even Seimaru probably hasn't discovered. Because she's inherited the skill, she was pushed and trained to her limits from the moment Mother passed on. That's why she's as strong as she is, even though she's only three years older than me. And why she's so revered. She's not just an ordinary Clanswoman. She's the Shadow. And now she's twenty, she's old enough..."
He sighed.
"Neesama wanted to forge an alliance with the Kyouraku, given their military pride and heritage." He added quietly. "She's always admired the way they've handled their land and held their borders no matter what the situation. And she favoured the idea of marriage to your brother over all other suggestions at the time, because of his reputation as a man of honour and strength. If my message was to come from you, I think she'd listen. And believe you. Because Midori-neesama truly believes the Kyouraku-ke are proper soldiers - and therefore live and die by the same ingrained honour our own people are supposed to do."
"You really think she's going to do something rash, don't you?"
"She may already have done in leaving District Seven without permission." Kai admitted. "I love my sister very much. But I know...when she's angry...she's not someone you want to cross. She's never directed her rage at me – but she has used it in defence of me. I've seen the effects of her zanpakutou once before. And it worries me, what she might use it to do."
Shunsui closed his eyes briefly for a moment, then, slowly, nodded his head.
"Tomorrow, then, I'll do as you say." He said evenly. "I'll take Juu, since he knows the most and is the least likely to be suspicious - he won't think for a moment that looking for your sister in the local area might have anything more sinister behind it than simply trying to find out if she's safe. In any case, I'll tell him we're looking for clues on my own account, and he won't say anything. But if I do find Midori-dono, I'll pass on your message. And if I don't, but I discover she's on her way here, I'll bring you that news too."
He let out his breath in a rush.
"After all, if she's the kind of wench you paint her as, I wouldn't like anyone to be in her way when she finally sets foot in District One."
Author's Note:
Yep, since it's Easter, I'm updating this early this week XD.
Reidoku
Reidoku 霊毒 literally means spirit poison, just as Tokutarou said it. It seemed an apt street name for the chemicals the Urahara first developed!
Seireitei, Districts and Rukongai - Circa JuuShun Era (fanfic explanation)
Since this came up in a review, and since I haven't clearly explained it all as such, I thought I'd put this here too in case anyone else is wondering about my (complete lack of) Soul Society geography.
I kept the name Seireitei because it's a name people familiarly associate with Soul Society. However you can divide this into Inner Seireitei and Outer Seireitei.
In canon, there's a little circle of land inside the middle of Rukongai's land, which is designated Seireitei and this is where the squad bases are and so on and so forth.
This does exist in my storyline, and is called 'Inner Seireitei'. It has not appeared in this story - but there is a possibility of it appearing...at some point...maybe in the future. It's considered neutral territory and it's where the Noble Council of Elders (predecessor of Central 46) meet to discuss various things. It is also where, in the previous few years, the first squad bases have been set up as camps for the Shinigami squads led by the Gotei - although for the most part these shinigami still tend to haunt their local area. There are four squads though (9-12) whose only real base is Inner Seireitei. Although they are run by Clan, they are not as closely affiliated to the Clan families as, say, 2nd is to the Shihouin or 6th to the Kuchiki.
Rukongai is not as big in this era as it is in the canon plotline, since until recently there have been few Shinigami to venture into the Real World to rescue souls, and Hollows have only just begun to be properly purified. Rukongai exists in its ring around inner Seireitei - but is not as many districts and as yet is a place where Juu and Shun and company cannot and do not go.
OUTSIDE of this ring of Rukongai districts is where the Nobles have their lands. The Clan Districts, 1-8 clockwise, which are divided equally in eight segments like spokes of a wheel. This means 8 borders 1 and the cycle begins again. This is what's known in my fic as Outer Seireitei, or for the most part, just Seireitei. This area does not feature at all in canon, although the implication is that it might exist, given that we have Noble estates and so on which do not seem to be a part of the military complex within Inner Seireitei. It's my opinion, therefore, that Byakuya's family estate is, possibly, on the other side of Rukongai - as well as the Shihouin estate and the other Great Families that we haven't had anything to do with as yet.
It is in THIS land that Juushirou's family and all of the Clans are currently living.
I can't draw, but if you can imagine the way Seireitei and Rukongai are explained to Ichigo and company when they first arrived - a little circle with a bigger one outside of it - just consider that the Clan lands are on the outside of that outer circle.
My idea is that by the time we reach the real plotline, Rukongai has expanded into some of this former Clan area, and that the Hollows have been more or less eradicated from Clan land, allowing the squads to spend more time in Inner Seireitei. Therefore the outer Clan lands are rarely seen, and no longer known by the collective name of 'Seireitei'.
Phew. I hope that makes sense.